Posted on Aug 30, 2019
1LT Chaplain Candidate
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Lets be clear, the Army issues eyewear and it works just fine.

Beyond that, those who have used polarized glasses, think they're worth it? Garrison? Field environment? Deployments?

As well, should we really be concerned about UV protection for our eyes? Seems like a big scare about nothing. All I care about is preventing headaches and eye fatigue, seeing clearly, and saving money.

...and looking cool.
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Responses: 6
LtCol Robert Quinter
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When I was in flight school we were issued sun glasses and had an aviation physiology class where we were told that polarized glasses were not issued for a specific reason. Unfortunately, since I'm old and that was over 50 years ago, I don't remember what that reason was. Perhaps some of the others will remember, but I know it was aviation related.
Regarding UV protection, over time UV adversely effects your eyesight causing macular degeneration amongst other things. Although we aviators always thought we were issued the glasses to look good, the adverse impact upon vision, and the fact that your UV exposure is greater at altitude was the real reason.
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1LT Chaplain Candidate
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My sifting through Google told me that it will affect a pilot's ability to read their instruments and lcd screens.

I can understand that. So, for the average leg on the ground UV protection isn't a concern.

Thanks for sharing!
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LtCol Robert Quinter
LtCol Robert Quinter
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1LT (Join to see) - I don't know that I would agree with your conclusion about UV. Although the danger is greater at altitude, you still have adverse effects of UV on the ground, and it is cumulative. Think of your last experience at the beach or on the desert and how your eyes felt afterwards when you weren't wearing sunglasses. Even the VA provides UV protection in their issue glasses because of the adverse impact.
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SFC Retention Operations Nco
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When I was stationed at Florida phase of Ranger School we were on the water a lot. I found that polarized glasses reduced the glare significantly without darkening the whole scene. That's especially helpful during the hours before dusk as the light starts to fade but the glare is still present. I always wear polarized glasses now when driving or on the water. But they're still too expensive to wear out into the field
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1LT Chaplain Candidate
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My concern exactly. Not gonna spend more than $20 for something I will most likely break, lose, or have stolen.
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CAPT Kevin B.
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Edited >1 y ago
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Don't know about the Army but back in my day, the Navy issued prescription B&L G-15 aviators that were polarized and had a double gradient application which cut the light down even more. Heavy on top and bottom so the glare was reduced. Additionally, there were added forehead and cheek pads so nothing metal touched. This was before plastic lenses and the double gradient feature was an ionized silver application. They cost about $385 at the time, which for the mid '70s were pricey indeed. They were issued to many Seabees who had outside work to do. They were also cumshawed out to people who didn't need them for their hero shot photographs. Mine were legit as 90% of my work was outside, many times away on traverses or doing construction, blasting, or SAR. I loved them so much my glasses today are a Flexon aviator with varied coatings including a "Glacier" which comes somewhat close to what I had (still have as keepsakes).
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1LT Chaplain Candidate
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Wow! What an awesome piece of history. Thanks for the share.
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